Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The technique of hair testing is now recognized as an effective method to assess drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands store a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the developing fiber. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection range extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is uncomplicated.
An optimal sample for testing requires a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair signifies all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The procedure for processing a drug test result in the laboratory consists of four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving the integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. While it offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, any positive screen demands confirmation to be legally valid. Samples indicating presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.
In cases where Screening yields a presumptive positive result, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this process, substances are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive specimens undergo washing as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this examination analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Kirkpatrick, OR, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection capabilities. These tests are much less susceptible to manipulation compared to urine testing.
The comparison shows hair tests have a distinct edge, boasting higher accuracy and longer drug detection periods, making them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable results.
Employers in Kirkpatrick, OR benefit from hair follicle testing due to its prolonged detection window, up to 90 days. This span allows for a thorough review of an applicant or employee's substance use history.
Such extended detection provides insights into patterns of behavior, offering a more in-depth understanding of substance use, which is invaluable for decision-makers.
The risk of sample tampering is significantly mitigated with hair follicle tests in Kirkpatrick, OR. This testing method ensures results that stakeholders can trust without question.
Such robustness in test integrity provides peace of mind, as these tests deliver secure, unaltered findings that are difficult to falsify.
With conveniently placed testing centers nationwide, Kirkpatrick, OR residents can easily access hair follicle testing services. These locations make drug testing a seamless experience devoid of hassle.
Accessing testing services is simplified with many centers, facilitating quick and straightforward procedures across various locations.
The hair follicle testing process in Kirkpatrick, OR, emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring user privacy is maintained. The ordering, testing, and result processes are straightforward.
Focusing on ease of use, the process respects individuals' privacy, making the entire experience smooth and discreet from start to finish.
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle tests in Kirkpatrick, OR, attractive for businesses of all sizes, offering excellent value.
Timely results and affordable options ensure satisfaction, granting companies peace of mind while keeping costs manageable.
Hair follicle drug tests in Kirkpatrick, OR, provide swift and precise outcomes. The high accuracy rate of these tests serves to reliably detect substance usage over time.
These tests stand out for their efficiency, delivering reliable results promptly, thus enhancing the overall drug testing process with their superior accuracy.
In Kirkpatrick, OR, hair follicle tests allow employers to effectively uphold drug-free workplace policies. This contributes to both compliance and improved safety standards, reducing potential legal issues.
By implementing these tests, organizations increase their chances of avoiding disputes by having a proven method to ensure employees adhere to set guidelines.
